The group sat down for lunch. Zoro, Sanji, Taro, and Robin never tock their eyes off each other. Nami wasn't paying attention, and Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper were fighting over food, and Isao was watching with intense interest. "So, when's Sanako going to join us?" asked Sanji. Taro shrugged.
"Sanako is a free spirit, she does whatever she pleases." Taro said.
"So the pirates are going to protect the bounty hunter huh. That is an odd twist. Let me ask this, why do you need body guards for a bounty hunter?" Robin asked.
"Because she is no longer a bounty hunter, she is a princess now! She hung up her sword a long time ago and I will not allow her to bring it back down." said Taro.
"I see, it's an image thing!" Robin said.
"No, it's a personal issue, Sanako has regretted ever becoming a bounty hunter and I want to help her put that in the past." explained Taro.
"I see." Robin said.
"I believe it's time to discuss payment." said Taro. Nami jerked to attention.
"I want meat!" Luffy shouted. Nami hit him.
"I was thinking the ladies could have a million berries apiece so they can do whatever. I don't want to strain such beautiful creatures with a man's job. Also, each of the men will be given a room and food. I will also give them each a hundred thousand berries apiece." he said.
"Hang on, why does Robin and Nami get more for nothing!" Usopp shouted.
"Because, they are women and are deserve respect." Taro said.
"See, that's how you're supposed to treat a lady." said Nami. The others just glared at her as she shock the king's hand, sealing the deal.
"On a farther note, the woman are paid no matter what, but if anything happens to Sanako, I will take it out on all of your hides." he said.
"Sheesh, I didn't even want to do this." Usopp said with a frown.
"I hope we can actually meet her soon." Chopper said.
"Well I don't think she will say much, she tends to keep to herself." said Taro.
"And how did she get that way?" Zoro asked looking at Taro. Taro shrugged.
"She was like that as long as I can remember. Why do you care anyway?" asked Taro.
"No reason, she seems like she could of once been happy and talkative." Zoro said with a shrug.
"Oh, well she may have been once long ago." Taro said.
"So, how did you meet the lady?" Robin asked with a smile. Taro's anger evaporated as he turned to look at her.
"I had actually met her during a meeting with the king, After we had talked a few more times, I found I liked her a lot, so I asked her to marry me, and she agreed." explained Taro.
"I'll bet, I'll be back, here Luffy." Zoro said tossing Luffy a scrap of paper. Then he got up and left the room, with everyone watching his retreating back.
"What's that?" asked Usopp looking at the paper in Luffy's hand. Luffy shrugged and opened it. He turned white. "What's wrong?" asked Usopp. Chopper, Sanji, Nami, Robin, and Usopp stared at Luffy with shock.
"It's…" started Luffy, than there was a crash and yelling. Running out side. The group ran outside as fast as they could to see Zoro, fighting all the guards with something slung over his sholder.
"What is that idiot doing!" shouted Sanji. Then at a closer inspection they saw what it was.
"Sanako!" shouted Taro. The strawhats saw that it was indeed the princess!
"What's going on?" asked Nami.
"It appears swordsman is kidnapping the princess." Robin said in a calm amused voice. The others looked at Zoro in shock, before Sanji snapped.
"You bastard!" he shouted. He ran at Zoro and went to kick him, but Zoro blocked it with the flat side of his blade. Sanji went to grab the princess, but Zoro blocked his attempt.
"Sorry Sanji." he said as he kicked Sanji hard in the stomach. More out of surprise then pain, Sanji fell down and yelped. With that Zoro ran. He went out of the palace and down the road into the woods.
"I knew it! I shouldn't of trusted that man at all!" shouted an angry Taro.
"Captain, what did that paper say?" asked Robin.
"It says, 'I'm sorry but I quite, goodby Luffy and the crew. I hope we meet again.'" Luffy read crying.
"So the bastard left us!" Sanji shouted.
Its short I know, sorry about that! I think it was kinda obvious it was Zoro who knew her, but why? Hope you enjoyed! Please review!